Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Forum speaker critiques media role in 2024 presidential campaign

Forum speaker critiques media role in 2024 presidential campaign

David D. Kirkpatrick spoke at HVRHS Oct. 25.

Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE — David D. Kirkpatrick, a staff writer for The New Yorker and a former investigative reporter for the New York Times, was critical of how the media have covered the 2024 presidential election at a Salisbury Forum talk Friday, Oct. 25 at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

He said the press has produced “voluminous explorations” of what a second presidency of Republican Donald J. Trump would be like.

But this coverage “turned out to be a distraction.”

“What was the biggest surprise in this campaign?” he asked the audience.

Answer: The June 27 debate between then-candidate and incumbent President Joe Biden (D) and Trump.

The debate was a disaster for Biden, who appeared confused. After an outcry from his own party, on July 21 Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race. Vice-President Kamala Harris was subsequently chosen to replace Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

“There is no way to argue this was not an enormous lapse” on the part of the media, Kirkpatrick said.

He said the New York Times’ Peter Baker was writing about Biden’s decline as early as July 2022.

“He took a lot of static” for his reporting.

In February 2024, Special Counsel Robert Hur, who was investigating the case of Biden’s handling of classified documents, closed his investigation and declined to prosecute the President, saying “Biden would likely present himself to a jury ... as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”

Kirkpatrick said at this point the story “was out in public” and could not be ignored.

But he questioned why The Times then ran a piece labeled “analysis” that examined why the age question was hurting Biden more than Trump.

“They made it a sociological story.”

If Trump wins a second term, the press will be blamed for not reporting on Biden’s decline earlier, Kirkpatrick predicted.

“Wouldn’t Harris be better off if she’d had more time? Was Harris the best candidate?”

Latest News

Lake Wononsopomuc at ‘critical time,’ researchers warn

A recent report by Northeast Aquatic Research revealed that while overall water quality remains strong at Lake Wononscopomuc, several indicators warrant continued monitoring and proactive management.

Debra A. Aleksinas

SALISBURY — Researchers are warning that Lake Wononscopomuc is at a “critical time” as concerns grow over declining water clarity, nutrient pollution and the long-term condition of Connecticut’s deepest natural lake.

The announcement came during a 90-minute Zoom meeting of the Lake Wononscopomuc Association on May 26, attended by several dozen residents, lakefront property owners and association members.

Keep ReadingShow less

Legal Notices - June 4, 2026

Legal Notices - June 4, 2026

Legal Notice

Notice of Formation of Kaits Kleaning LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 05-22-2026. Office Lo-cation: Dutchess county. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 24 Attlebury Hill Road, Standfordville NY 12581.06-04-26

Keep ReadingShow less

Classifieds - June 4, 2026

Classifieds - June 4, 2026

HELP WANTED

DENTAL ASSISTANT Part Time: Tuesday to Friday, for exclusive private practice in Sharon, CT. Flexible schedule and hours, competitive salary. 860-364-0200, office@drnweeia.org.

TOWN OF SHARON HELP WANTED: Building Department /Land Use Office Support, part-time, approximately 25 hours per week, $24.70 per hour. Position provides administrative support for the Building Official, Fire Marshal, and Land Use Administrator. Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED (Associates Degree Preferred) with 4 years increasingly responsible work experience, preferably in administrative work, public con-tact, and field of municipal government. For full job description, see the Town of Sharon Website (sharonct.gov) or con-tact the Selectmen's Office at 860-364-5789. Applications and resumes are to be received in the Selectmen's Office, P. O. Box 385, Sharon, CT 06069 by 4:00PM June 15, 2026. The Town of Sharon is an equal opportunity employer.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Downed power line reroutes Route 44 traffic in Millbrook

Traffic is rerouted through Franklin Ave in downtown Millbrook after a power line falls on Route 44 Saturday, May 30.

Aly Morrissey

MILLBROOK – Strong winds ripped through the region Friday night into Saturday morning, knocking down tree limbs and bringing down a power line near the intersection of Route 44 and Franklin Ave Saturday, May 30.

The downed line forced the closure of Sharon Turnpike from Hart Village Road to Franklin Ave from about 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, according to Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin.

Keep ReadingShow less

Pauline King Garfield

Pauline King Garfield

EAST CANAAN — Pauline K. (King) Garfield, 94 of 77 South Canaan Rd. formerly of East Canaan, died Sunday May 24, 2026, at Geer Village.She was the wife of the late Duane Garfield who passed August 14, 2017. Pauline was born April 3, 1932 in North Canaan, CT in the former Geer Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Rose (Van Vlack) King.

Pauline spent her career at Becton Dickinson in Canaan, after being a stay-at-home mother for many years.She was employed at Becton Dickinson for 23 years. She enjoyed bus trips with her late husband Duane to the Casinos, spending time with her family watching the grandchildren grow up. Recently she made a comment to care givers that was “wait until I see that husband of mine for leaving me here, I am going to read him the riot act.” Over the years she enjoyed many crafts, but her favorite was crocheting gifts for everyone.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wassaic Project opens new gallery space in historic Gridley Chapel
Samuelle Green turned paper, wire, and glue into a honeycombed hive at Wassaic Project’s Maxon Mills in Wassaic.
Photo by Graham Corrigan

WASSAIC — The Wassaic Project started its 2026 season in style on Saturday, May 16, with an exhibition that featured 39 artists whose work was showcased at its flagship Maxon Mills location and plans for its new space at Gridley Chapel.

The chapel, which was erected in 1873 and is located across the street from Maxon Mills, is a recent addition to the Wassaic Project.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.